the
Corsair
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
SMC Alumni awarded
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Volume C, Issue 29
Airport noise creates controversy
Shanon Culiner Staff Writer
On Tuesday, June 14 at Santa Monica College ’s Corsair Field, the SMC Foundation will be honoring SMC math professor Terry Green and Co-Founder of King ’s Seafood Company-entrepreneur, Martin Jeffery “Jeff ” King with Alumni Recognition Awards. Green will receive the award for “Distinguished Community Service, ” and King will receive the “Outstanding Professional Achievement ” award. “We ’re always excited about recognizing the achievements of our alumni, ” said Charles A. Potts Jr., Interim Executive Director of the SMC Foundation. “Our representatives this year are great examples of the success our students can achieve. ” The SMC Foundation, as Potts described, is a foundation that raises money from individuals, nonprot organizations, and corporations for oncampus programs such as scholarships and grants. “We are the charitable arm of the college, ” said Potts. King has served as a Board Member of the California Restaurant Association (CRA). In addition, he was a Board Member of the Los Angeles Convention and Visitor ’s Bureau, the Santa Monica Convention, the Visitor ’s Bureau, and the Northern Arizona University Hospitality Program. Currently, King sits on the Board of Directors at the Collins School of Hospitality Management at Cal Poly Pomona. The recipient of a number of honors, King has accepted the City of Hope Lifetime Achievement Award, Nation ’s Restaurant New Hot Concept Award, and the Elizabeth Burns Lifetime Achievement Award.
[See Awards, page 2]
Lisa Weingarten Contributor
A jet takes off Saturday at the Santa Monica Airport. The increase in jet trafc has become an issue over the last several years as more residents complain about the noise. Miles Arnold Sports Editor For years, the sound of planes taking off and landing at the Santa Monica airport has been a topic of discussion and debate for the residents of Santa Monica who live near the runway. In 1984, the city of Santa Monica adopted an aircraft noise ordinance as part of the airports municipal code that states, among other things, “No aircraft shall exceed a noise level of 95 decibels, ” and while some neighbors are upset about the noise levels, others who live in the area don ’t seem to mind too much. Donna Rosescu, who has lived on Marine Street at the end of the runway for the last ten years, says the noise doesn ’t bother her too much because she works during the day. However, she does admit there are a few downsides to living there. “Every now and then when it is overcast or cloudy the jets can be pretty loud and the smell of jet fuel is in the air, ” said Rosescu, “but aside from that,
the noise isn ’t really an issue for me. ” Another resident, who wished to remain anonymous, lives on Navy street just one block south of the Rosescu house. She grew up in the neighborhood some 50 years ago and has lived there most of her life. Rather than seeing the airport as a problem, she wonders why people move into the neighborhood, knowing there is an airport nearby, or in this case, at the end of the street. “I grew up in this house, ” she said. “I have never had a problem with the noise, why would I live here if I did? ” Stephen Mark, who is a current member of the Santa Monica Airport Commission, and his wife Ellen also live on Navy street and have been bothered by the noise ever since they moved in. “The jets are the most upsetting in terms of the noise, ” said Mark. “You really have to love airplanes to love the noise. ” While the sound of the smaller, single engine planes aren ’t cause for too much
complaint, the increase in jet trafc has become an issue over the last several years. The most recent noise report presented by the Airport Commission at their May 24 meeting showed that not only is jet trafc responsible for only ten percent of the overall trafc at the Santa Monica Airport, but that jet trafc had decreased ve percent from a year ago. The Commission also reported that the ten noise violations that were reported in April was a 29 percent decrease from a year ago, and also reported that there has been a 99.9 percent compliance with the noise ordinance. Night landings and take-offs, which don ’t happen often and are always approved by the airport, have been a problem for residents who want the neighborhood quiet at night. But as it turns out, night departures are at times necessary. Joe Justice, who has owned and operated Justice aviation at the Santa Monica Airport for 20 years, explained
[See Airport, page 2]
Debate Team argues their point Vera Hughes Staff Writer
Krista Bonelli Corsair
The leader of the opposition, Morgan McLoughlin, talks with his team mate, Dominic Ameneyro, about why “Alcohol should not be banned from all sporting events. ”
Members of the public were invited on Thursday, May 26, to watch Roberto Lopez and Monica Ross face off against Morgan McLoughlin and Dominic Ameneyro in a debate over whether alcohol should be banned from all professional sporting competitions. All four debaters are members of Santa Monica College ’s Speech and Debate team, a team that has not yet been ofcially recognized by SMC since its creation in 2005. “We have no budget, ” said Nate Brown, SMC speech professor and founder of the debate team. “We could not have existed without the Associated Students. Other colleges ’ teams have a budget they can count on. A lot of college teams start the way we started, and eventually the colleges take over and want to support it. ” But as of yet, SMC hasn ’t held out a
helping hand for the ery members of the speech and debate team. With the combined help of the Associated Students and the Global Council, the Speech and Debate team was able to travel to Vermont to compete in the national championship last March. In order to get to that competition, and in order to go to any of the tournaments they attend throughout the semester, the debate team needed to raise half of their budget on their own. To meet the difference, the Associated Students agreed to supply the debate team with 50 percent of whatever budget they presented as necessary for their team agenda. Still, the team has dealt with quite a difcult time raising funds. “It ’s what eventually burned me out: raising the money, ” Brown explained. “I was good at it, but it ’s draining. ” After being the one and only SMC debate coach for six years now, Brown is nally stepping down and handing
the reigns over to Communications professor, Marcia Regina. Global Council, another sponsor of the debate team, recently encouraged the team to hold exhibition debates, and to invite the public to watch them take each other on over various issues. The most recent debate produced a passionate argument over the allowance of alcohol in sports arenas. In lieu of the recent attack on the Giants fan Bryan Stow in the parking lot of the Dodgers ’ stadium, the four aforementioned team members went head to head over how these types of violent incidents could best be prevented. Lopez and Ross, the Government side, argued that a complete ban of alcohol was the only way to truly solve the problem. McLoughlin and Ameneyro vehemently disagreed. As each side made their points within their precisely allotted times (typical of any formal debate), one could hear the
[See Debate, page 2]
SANTA MONICA COLLEGE
2
June 1, 2011
NEWS
SMC Alumi Foundation Recipients [Awards, from page 1] King has been the recipient for UCLA ’s Alumni of the Year Award and was inducted into the California Restaurant Association ’s Fine Dining Hall of Fame and Educational Foundation Hall of Fame. King, a graduate of Hamilton High School in Los Angeles, gained his associate degree from SMC in 1958. He later went on to graduate from UCLA. Like King, Green obtained his associate of arts degree at SMC. Green, who is a Santa Monica native, continued his studies at UC Santa Barbara. Immediately following his graduation, he joined the Peace Corps. During his time in the Peace Corps, he helped in the building of a basketball court on the island of Nevis, a place where basketball had not yet been heard of. Green went on to teach at John Adams Middle School in Santa Monica. In 1986, he was hired to be SMC ’s
rst full-time developmental math instructor, helping thousands of students to overcome their fear of math. “I was raised to do more than just teach, ” said Green. “It ’s something both my parents instilled. ” He has participated in numerous community service events such as the AIDS Walk Los Angeles, EIF Revlon Run/Walk for Cancer, and a Thanksgiving Program in Santa Monica that distributes food and clothing to homeless people. Green was additionally nominated for the Hayward Award, the top award given to a community college professor in California. Green said, “I believe we can all make a difference in our community. ” Green was thrilled to be receiving the “Distinguished Community Service ” Award. “It ’s a relatively new award, so I ’m just happy to be a recipient. There are a lot of wonderful alumni to choose from. ”
Debate team exhibitions [Debate, from page 1]
tapping of pens on desks, signifying the audience ’s agreement with certain analyses. Ultimately, the Opposition side (McLoughlin and Ameneyro) emerged victorious over the Government side, with the winning argument being that a 100 percent ban on alcohol was an unnecessary way to solve the problem of violence and inappropriate behavior at sporting events. Ross, a newbie to the debate team and to debate in general, joined the team as recently as this semester. “It ’s good experience for public speaking; you learn a lot. It ’s an easy
way to learn about current events, and to critically think in a way you don ’t get to do in any other class, ” said Ross. Ross had never participated in either speech or debate before, so when she saw a yer at SMC, she decided to give it a go. “My rst debate was a joke, I was crying by the end of the day, ” she admitted. But fast-forward to the end of this semester, and Ross stands at the podium and argues her points with evident ease. The debate team plans on holding more exhibitions in room 117, because as Brown says. “It makes us better to perform for an audience that ’s not just our team. ”
theCorsaironline.com
Noise overhead
[Airport, from page 1]
that every pilot who carries passengers with them must have completed three night take-offs and landings every 90day period. “We don ’t have the option of saying no, ” says Justice. “We could tell them to go to another airport, but that would cost them money. ” He explained, “plane rental will run you about $120 an hour depending on the aircraft; then there is the instructor fee which can cost anything from $60$100. That brings your total to about $200 an hour for a plane. Flying to another airport like nearby Hawthorne, which has very few night restrictions is an option but would still cost extra. ” One of the ideas that Justice has come up with is to have the city compensate the pilots for the extra time it would take to y to another airport. “We don ’t have a tremendous amount of students here, ” says Justice. “The city could say, for each one your students that wants to y at night, here ’s $200 for that student to go somewhere else. ” He added, “The FAA, in the 1984 agreement, and the rules that exist allow us to do it, so if they desire a change then I ’m ok with it, but for the city to say that we should absorb it or the students should absorb it, making their cost higher, isn ’t right. ” Another concern the residents have is the possibility of crashes that can occur shortly after take- off or before landing. The airport is surrounded by neighborhoods and past incidents have some residents worried about what ’s next. The most recent crash occurred in July of 2010 when a single-engine plane, a Cessna 152, crashed on the eighth hole at the Penmar golf course, which is also
located at the end of the runway. The pilot, who was the only person on board, was killed. The plane originated from Justice Aviation, and was not being own by a student but instead by an experienced commercially-rated pilot. The investigation of the crash determined the cause to be pilot error. In the 92-year history of the airport, there has not been a single death or injury involving the people outside the aircraft that crashed, a remarkable statistic considering the surrounding areas. “I think that most people forget that in most cases if an airplane has a problem, if the pilot has control, which they do most of the time, the pilot will steer towards areas that are open, ” says Justice. “They do this for two reasons, for the safety of others and for the safety of themselves, ” he added. “Hitting a house is not a good experience. most pilots in an emergency situation are not going to aim for something with people in it.
Lisa Weingarten Corsair
Single-engine planes parked on the runway at Santa Monica Airport this past Saturday.
SANTA MONICA COLLEGE
June 1, 2011
OPINION
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Wealthy men nd power in cheating By Joan Walsh Staff Writer In the past year, there have been a string of rich, powerful men in the news accused of sexual assault. Men in power are more likely to cheat, thanks to their power-striven positions, than men without the privileges of power and wealth. This idealism applies to a famous quote from the ‘80s when Rolling Stone Magazine asked Duran Duran ’s Simon Le Bon as to why rockstars dated models. Le Bon replied, “Because they can. ” Powerful men cheat because they believe they can get away with it. It took the public 14 years to figure out that Arnold Schwarzenegger had a secret love child. For every time someone like Schwarzenegger is caught, think of how many didn ’t because they were lucky enough to get away with cheating. Legendary Madam Heidi Fleiss ’ yet to be found blackbook, allegedly contains a clientele of the world ’s wealthiest and most famous men. The necessity for powerful men to cheat all goes back to the beginning of time when kings and other rulers had more than one wife. Their ruling power granted them privileges and
opportunities that no one else could claim. In today ’s world, monogamy takes over polygamy, but that doesn ’t stop men from sleeping with other women. Powerful men tend to be more narcissistic risk takers that don ’t consider regular rules applicable to them. Characteristics like that give them power in the first place, so it ’s almost contradictory to expect them
wife and adorable children cheat? This is similar in comparison as to why smokers smoke. Everyone knows that smoking causes a slew of health problems as well as garnering the irritation of others. Still, people smoke. Some wealthy men in power will always find ways to cheat, even if it means jeopardizing their careers and personal lives. Like smoking, cheating is enjoyable and necessary for their
Cheating is the source of their power and they need to constantly fuel from it to turn it off when it comes to their personal lives. With power comes a sense of sexual entitlement, which gives them reason to cheat. Politicians are the image of wholesome family values and morals. They are expected to give back to their community, have well-rounded children, and stay out of legal dilemmas. It begs to ask: why would a man with a successful career, nice
satiation. There isn ’t much of a surprise when a rockstar or athlete cheats, since their public image tends to lean towards reckless abandon. It ’s the politicians that cause most of the public outrage because they preach what they don ’t practice themselves. Newt Gingrich was part of Bill Clinton ’s impeachment and had an affair at the same time. Eliot Spitzer broke up a prostitution
ring, while in office, yet on his own time, patronized prostitutes. John Edwards had a love child with a former campaign worker, while married. Politicians always seem to be having extramarital affairs. Cheating is the source of their power and they need to constantly fuel from it. According to an article on the Fox News website, “research suggests that with power comes the temptation to stray and many powerful men assume they ’ll get away with it. ” Men in power have much better resources for cheating strategies then normal men. They have hired help who can cover and lie for them with sincere loyalty only money can buy. Getting a woman in bed isn ’t a problem for them since women tend to throw themselves openly into their paths. Ultimately, powerful, wealthy men cheat more because their wives or girlfriends turn a blind eye to the infidelity. As long as there are women who put up with powerful men cheating and women who will be willing to sleep with them, cheating will always be on top of their to-do list. The public should stop being outraged every time a powerful man cheats and focus their attention on other things.
Smoking bans coming to a city near you An occasional smoker ’s bid to have smoking in the public sphere elminated, for the benefit of everyone. It may be your personal choice in the home, but the game changes when you ’re endangering the lungs of everyone. By Neelofer Lodhy A&E Editor Smoking is unhealthy whether we like to hear it or not. It ’s a bad habit picked up for reasons ranging anywhere from peer pressure, to family ties, or even seeing your favorite celebrity do it and copying him/her because it looks cool. One thing ’s for sure, it doesn ’t feel cool. Especially when your new best friend becomes the oxygen tank permanently attached to your nose to help you breathe. Smoking, a habit that was once thought of as harmless and normal, quickly became an epidemic that swept across the world with the invention of cigarettes. However, it wasn ’t until the 1960s that it was discovered that smoking was bad for one ’s health.
According to the Boston University Medical Center, the rst Surgeon General ’s warning against smoking was issued in 1964, in which the government regulated the sales and advertisements of cigarettes, but of course, that wasn ’t enough to stop anyone. Since the discovery of the link between bad health and cigarettes was acknowledged, smoking has been frowned upon globally, and communities are doing whatever they can to ofcially ban smoking. Effective as of January 1, 1995, California Labor Code Section 6404.5 stated that smoking was banned in enclosed areas such as restaurant and ofce buildings, and in 1998 bars were later added to the list. Specied by an article from CNN, New York City is the latest, amongst others, that have taken the smoking ban to an entirely new level by banning smoking in the cities ’ 1,700 parks, public beaches and plazas, which include Times Square. Santa Monica also heavily partakes in smoking bans by prohibiting smoking on The Third Street Promenade, not to mention on SMC ’s campus. According to the American Lung Association, second-hand smoke causes nearly 50,000 deaths yearly. But when it comes to rights, is it right to take away someone ’s privilege to smoke in a public
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area? Depending on the circumstances, this could be a tough battle for all, smokers or non-smokers. When it comes to smoking, people tend to have a very liberal sense of mind. SMC student Breanna Rees voiced her opinion on smoking bans stating, “I think it ’s a good thing, but I ’m also not a smoker, as long as you ’re in your own vicinity I don ’t think it ’s a terrible thing, but it is unhealthy and maybe it would
When it comes to smoking, people tend to have a very liberal sense of mind.
help to cut back. ” Personally, as someone who enjoys the drag of a cigarette from time to time, I ’d have to say that smoking in public areas is denitely not something I would condone, or something I ’d like to inhale, especially while I ’m eating. But smoking bans could potentially be a good thing because of the tremendous
Spring 2011 Staff Jonathan Bue Nathan Gawronsky John Stapleton IV Amanda Bojorquez Anisa El-Khouri Breanna Balisteri Muna Cosic Miles Arnold Juan Lopez Cathy Arias Hector Mejia
Editor-in-Chief Managing Editor Online Editor Photo Editor Photo Editor News Editor Opinion Editor Sports Editor A&E Editor Lifestyle Editor Multimedia Editor
Faculty Advisors Saul Rubin and Gerard Burkhart
amounts of smoking deaths that occur every year. This is something that could easily be prevented by just quitting, but as we all know, it ’s not that easy. Of course there are many methods known to help kick the nasty habit, including attending a rehabilitation facility, but often times there are relapses, which could potentially lead to severe health problems. SMC student Caitlin Zambito joins Breanna Rees in the agreement of having smoking banned stating that, “It ’s freedom of choice, and if people choose to smoke that ’s ne, but it ’s not fair for those who don ’t [smoke] and it affects people with asthma and children shouldn ’t be breathing it in. ” SMC student Lanny Markasky begs to differ saying, “I think that they ’re not necessary everywhere, and as long as they ’re in their own area not affecting other people, it ’s not a huge deal. ” Though I completely agree that it is a person ’s complete freedom and choice to smoke, the fact of the matter is that it affects everyone. I think that if the world is so bent upon becoming healthy, green and environmentally friendly, giving up smoking is the next big challenge, and I think smoking bans will help by drastically dropping the amount of smoking-related deaths each year.
Reporters Adam Rubin, Alexis Bishop, Ariana Masters, Biko Poindonte-Hodge, Jennifer Ferrada, Joan Walsh, Keijo Liimataiwen, Kevin Duncan, Latasha Edwards, Luana Kasahara, Michael Canepa, Michael Miller, Moa Axelsson, Naomi Calbucci, Nayla Paschoa, Nicholas Lotz, Nikki Edenedo, Oscar Castillo, Raven Wadley-Wright, Sean Breza, Shanon Culiner, Sophia Zhorne, Timothy Morse, Vienna Urias, Walter Orellana, Wayne Neal, William Courntey
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SANTA MONICA COLLEGE
June 1, 2011
PHOTOSTORY
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The Memorial Day service was concluded with the customary 21 gun salute and hold a moment of silence for the fallen.
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Photos by Gianfilippo De Rossi Contibutor
Honoring our fallen heroes By Betsayda Aceituno Contributor The 122nd Annual Memorial Day ceremony took place at the Los Angeles National Cemetery on Monday near Westwood Boulevard in Los Angeles. Hundreds of veterans and their families
gathered to celebrate the lives of the recipients of the 14 Medals of Honor. The ceremony started with the keynote speaker U.S. Major General John T. Crowe (Ret.) honoring the lives of the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice to give freedom, justice, and peace to America.
The program then featured the United States Marine Corps Band playing numerous songs to recognize fallen soldiers and finished with a group of soldiers dressed as cavalry who fired canons and rifles during a moment of silence. The ceremony was concluded with a flyover of U.S. Navy Aircraft over the cemetery.
Above: Every veteran’s gravestone was decorated with an American flag in honor of Memorial Day. Right: Planes representing the Navy and the Army flew over the Los Angeles National Cemetary
Above: Retired Major General John T. Crowe shows a young boy the burial site of the many men and women in uniform that died serving.
June 1, 2011
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SANTA MONICA COLLEGE
LIFESTYLE
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Burton ’s fantasy-land on display at LACMA By Vera Hughes Staff Writer As creepy, spindly or deranged as Tim Burton ’s creations can be, there is always an element of amiability behind them. Jack Skellington, with his stick-thin legs and sunken in eye sockets, has become one of the most beloved cartoon characters ever created. The loneliness and longing of Skellington ’s character resonated with many, and made him loveable The Tim Burton collection, now on display at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, has everything from legal-pad sketches from Burton ’s personal collection to the actual outt created by Colleen Atwood and worn by Johnny Depp in Edward Scissorhands. Burton ’s movies, drawings and shorts often have themes relating to being an outsider, or the difculty of tting into an environment that doesn ’t readily accept you. Edward, from Edward Scissorhands, has a very blatant physical deformity, which keeps him from being able to interact with people, and the movie revolves around his overwhelming desire to connect with those he ’s so isolated from. The exhibit reminds people of how extensive Burton ’s career has been. Big Fish, Mars Attacks!, Beetlejuice, Corpse Bride, Sleepy Hollow, James and the Giant Peach, Batman, The Nightmare Before Christmas, Edward Scissorhands, Alice in Wonderland, Planet of the Apes, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, and Pee-wee ’s Big Adventure are the titles of the many major motion picture lms that Burton has directed or produced. Danny Elfman always composes the score to Burton ’s lms, and the lm ’s
Anisa El-Khouri Photo Editor Tim Burton’s “Carousel” spins in a black lit room while an eerie song composed by Danny Elfman plays in the background.
characters are often costumed by Colleen Atwood. Burton ’s success is aided by these two equally ingenious creators. Burton accredits Dr. Seuss, Edgar Allan
Poe and Roald Dahl as his inuences, a very believable attribution when thinking about Burton and Dahl ’s support of underdogs, and the Poe-esque darkness to Burton ’s
monsters. He was also greatly inspired by German expressionist lms and Japanese monster movies like Godzilla. According to an interview with Burton in LACMA ’s audio tour, he remembers learning to draw from Dr. Seuss. “I remember taking his stories, like One Fish, Two Fish, and continuing to draw sh because I like it and I just wanted to keep the story going, “ says Burton. His personal collection makes up a huge portion of the exhibit, and really sheds light on his prolic nature. Even 8 1/2 by 11 inch images like Mothera, a piece from Burton ’s display at LACMA, carry a deeper meaning than just a doodle or a sketch normally would. One room of the exhibit is 100 percent black lit, with eerie Danny Elfman-like music playing throughout, walls covered in neon Burton-creatures. An oversized, creepier version of a child ’s mobile sits in the middle of the room, and despite the chilling nature and the darkness of the room, it ’s strangely comforting. “I want it all in my room! ” says LACMA patron, Kimberly Black. “But I ’m worried I would get nightmares, too, ” she added. His work is awesome and unearthly, friendly and dark, a constant combination of things you wouldn ’t normally think to combine. Burton created alternate realities and imaginative new worlds to escape urban, monotonous places like the city he grew up in, Burbank, Cailf., and to nd somewhere he knew he would t in. He might have been unaware of it at the beginning of his career, but Burton was helping more than just himself escape. Millions of people have found solace in the weird that Burton has made so cool.
I watch movies with dead people By Nathan Gawronsky Managing Editor With summer arriving in Los Angeles, lovers and buffs of canonical cinema congregate at the historic Hollywood Forever Cemetery for Cinespia ’s 10th season of open-air, under-the-stars lm screenings. Founded by John Wyatt, Cinespia has for the past 10 years brought Angelenos together for one of the most idiosyncratic movie watching experiences the city has to offer. Located in the Hollywood Memorial Park next to the haunting classical revivalist Hollywood Forever Cemetery, followers and visitors of Cinespia make their way past the occasionally ostentatious tombstones and plots of some of the city ’s
most famed (and infamous) permanent residents. “I love it, ” said Libe Barer, who attended last Saturday evening ’s screening of Alfred Hitchcock ’s Vertigo. “It reminds you of L.A. ’s weird, dark, morbid, and bizarre roots; tainted roots. ” After waiting outside the cemetery gates in a long line on Santa Monica Boulevard, the paths leading to the park where the screenings are held conjures a distinct feeling that one is suddenly in a scene of Roman Polanski ’s Chinatown, albeit with thousands of hipsters and pilgrims armed with picnic baskets and blankets. As the sun sets behind the park ’s high walled horizon, palm trees lining the main drag just outside become towering silhouettes punctuating the crepuscular
sky. Before and after every screening, a guest DJ spins a set (last Saturday was David Holmes), creating a haunting soundtrack that lends a certain mystique to the park ’s shadowy paths. Indeed, among the dwindling numbers of American drive-in movie venues, Cinespia is arguably one of the most unique. The entire vibe is like some kind of blithe and yet subdued modern day Woodstock for lovers of classic cinema. Walking through the large audience sitting on the grass, the wafting aromas of wine, cheese, and cannabis are invariably present throughout the screening. And as for the choice of lms that show at Cinespia, one would be hard pressed to nd better lms. From classics such as W.S. Van Dyke ’s The Thin Man to canonical
cult classics like Tim Burton ’s Pee-Wee ’s Big Adventure, Cinespia ’s choices of lm are cultural gems, which rarely, if ever, disappoint. Enau “Red ” Solis, a security guard hired by the event organizers, has worked at Cinespia for the past 3 years. “Working here is great. It ’s very beautiful and spiritual, almost. Being here makes me think of how to live, how to seek the truth, ” he said while directing patrons to areas where they can nd a spot with a good view away from the tombstones. “It ’s a blessing for me to have a job here —the trees, fresh air, the people — it ’s a ‘Cali ’ thing. ” Cinespia runs through summer every Saturday. The Hollywood Forever Cemetery is located on the 6000 block of Santa Monica Boulevard in Hollywood.
SANTA MONICA COLLEGE
June 1, 2011
LIFESTYLE
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Delivering epicurean dining to Santa Monica
Betsayda Aceituno Contributor A NiceCream employee hands out a sample to a new patron of The Market at the Santa Monica Place mall.
By Naomi Calbucci Staff Writer As you make your way up the escalators of the newly remodeled Santa Monica Place mall, you cannot help but follow the sweet aroma of fresh artisanal food that seeps through the doors of the invigorating addition to the third oor: The Market. The Market opened its doors on Friday May 20, and is comprised of 11 independent and artisanal
shops, kitchens and cafés. “They put together a bunch of markets at every level and it ’s not done yet. You can nd the top quality food here that comes directly from Italy. I have wines, cheese, salami, and we have two women who hand make our pasta so everything is fresh, ” shares esteemed restaurateur and owner of Primi Al Mercato, Piero Selvaggìo. For anybody trying to live a more decadent lifestyle,
attempting to steer away from fast food diners, The Market at the Santa Monica Place offers top indulgences and essentials for a more savory twist to what would typically be a monotonous shopping experience. Organic meats, locally made cheeses, freshly-baked breads, cooking classes, ne wine, oral arrangements and more can be found inside The Market. “Everybody is representing an organic and sustainable lifestyle
here. There isn ’t competition between the artisanal places here because that is the concept of a market, a mercato, ” said Selvaggìo. To offer a more comforting experience, couches and tables were added between shops so customers can enjoy their fresh and local products without having to leave. “I just had a sample of the pork on a fresh piece of bread and now I ’m just sitting back and enjoying the atmosphere. It ’s such a classy place that offers good quality food that is hard to nd, especially when you have cheap fast food calling, ” said customer Johnny Lopez. “This market is modeled after the one in San Francisco. We are a bunch of independent companies keeping the big chains out. It ’s denitely not so much fast food. You can nd gourmet ice cream, skin care, wine, and you can shop all in one area, ” said Beachy Cream worker Lauren Foulk. “Our products are all natural and fresh. Beachy Cream started out as a family owned business selling organic ice cream and fresh cookies that you would buy and make into your own ice cream sandwich. We have a manufacturer in California so it ’s all local and sustainable. ” Aside from the typical food shops and gourmet desserts, The Market offers a variety of events for the public to enjoy. Every
shop and café has the opportunity to organize their own tribute as a way of advertising their particular products. “We had a VIP party on Thursday with the local press, MTV, and investors and on Friday, opening day, we had a DJ and everyone was giving out food samples and it was great, ” said Samantha Greeneld, employee at Magical Blooms, another unique shop found inside of The Market that offers a variety of oral arrangements. “Magical Blooms opened in Redondo in 2003 by owner Jenny Barker and now we ’re here and it ’s wonderful. We have concierge service where people can order and pick their arrangements at the valet, we have restaurants and hotels come in, and we also teach ower arrangement classes right here, ” said Greeneld. Whether you ’re sitting down and enjoying natural, organic meals, shopping for single item ingredients, or taking a culinary class, The Market is a great place to nd what is fresh and in season in this collective arrangement of independently owned establishments. “People are getting tired of the food court and all these fast food chains. The food here in The Market is a little more expensive but it ’s top quality. There is a lot of foot trafc here and it ’s a great place to spend the day, ” said Greeneld.
SANTA MONICA COLLEGE
June 1, 2011
A&E
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Dr. Sheila Laffey explains the importance of green screens By Michael Miller Staff Writer
Michael Miller Corsair Dr. Sheila Laffey talks with students after the last of a spring Environmental Lecture Series Tuesday. Laffey is a Film Studies professor at SMC and an award winning film maker.
Students and community members congregated to Santa Monica College ’s Bundy campus last Tuesday to attend the last installment of the spring Environmental Lecture Series. Dr. Sheila Laffey, SMC professor and environmental lmmaker headlined the event, speaking to attendees about an ever-growing number of social and environmental documentaries. “We are in a golden age of documentaries. There is a whole range of incredible environmental lms, ” said Laffey. A part time professor, Dr. Laffey teaches several lm studies courses at SMC including Green Screen: Films on the Environment and Transformation, a course which revolves around ‘green lms. ’ “First of all, we study the dynamics of lm; the second goal is to understand the environmental issues and to see what we might be able to do, ”
said Laffey. Dr. Laffey started teaching in 1979 at Ithica College in New York. She has directed and or produced numerous lms, most recently Heroes at Ballona Wetlands, which has won several awards including Best Documentary at the ION Film Festival, Los Angeles. All of Laffey ’s lms reect her passion for the environmental movement. Laffey ’s lecture exposed attendees to a slew of social and environmental lms covering a diverse range of subjects. She screened trailers and showed clips from several lms, giving the audience a sample of her Green Screen course. Among others, Laffey introduced I Am, a lm by Tom Shadyac, director of Ace Ventura and Bruce Almighty among many other lms. After a near fatal bike accident, Shadyac set out to ask two questions: what is wrong with the world?, and what can we do about it? This lm, said Laffey, compliments the newly added aspect of her Green Screen course. This
is the rst semester Laffey has included transformation in the Green Screen course title saying: “How can we expect to change the world, if we ourselves have karma that we haven ’t worked through? ” Laffey ’s lecture fell in keeping with the goal of the Environmental Lecture Series which has covered topics like electric cars, water issues, and sustainable living practices. Geography and environmental science professor William Selby hosts the lectures. “This is part of our Environmental and Urban Issues Lecture Series ” said Selby, “our center for Environmental and Urban Studies sponsors the lecture series. ” Neha Sharma, one of Selby ’s students, is an environmental studies major and works for the Santa Monica based nonprot, Sustainable Works. “I eat, live, and breathe this, ” said Sharma. Sharma, “I like these lectures because they invite people to become more active. ”
G a g a ’ s B o r n T h i s W a y m a k e s p o p h i s t o r y
By Vienna Urias Staff Writer It ’s time to put your paws up little monsters, cause the Queen of Pop is back. After a year of anticipation, Lady Gaga ’s new album Born This Way was released to millions of eager fans around the globe on May 23. Dubbed the most promising album of the year, Born This Way was met with feelings of excitement, but there were also feelings of uncertainty. After the single “Born This Way ” was released, many were left unsure of Gaga ’s new sound. It was different, but was it perhaps too different than anything else she had ever done? Compared to her previous hits like “Poker Face ” and “Bad Romance ”, “Born This Way ” not only sounds different, but the underlying message is unusual for the “old ” Gaga that sang about dancing in clubs and playing love games. A song dedicated to the “freaks ” and the outcasts of society, “Born This Way ” gives a voice to a generation of youth lost within a world of prejudice. She called the single her “anthem ” to the gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender community. With inspiring lyrics like, “Whether life ’s disabilities left you outcast, bullied, or teased/ Rejoice and love yourself today, ‘cause baby you were born this way; ” she inspires all who listen to
accept their aws and rejoice in their individuality. This is Gaga ’s third album, but it is vastly different than her previous works, The Fame and The Fame Monster.. Born This Way is much darker and lled with political, religious, and social messages., But it has the highpowered dance beats that still make anyone want to rock out. “Judas ”, the next single released off the album, contains not only religious and social messages, with lyrics such as, “I wanna love you, but something ’s pulling me away from you. Jesus is my virtue, and Judas is the demon I cling to. ” Lady Gaga talks about the struggle between good and evil. Gaga continues to go on and sing, “In the most Biblical sense, I am beyond repentance. Fame, hooker, prostitute, wench vomits her mind. But in the cultural sense, I just speak in future tense. ” Gaga takes a stand on her own fame and reveals her own struggles about redemption and religion. The album has something to offer everyone, and it is evident that although Gaga has reached the apex of fame, her career remains about the music; but most importantly her fans. Tracks like “Bad Kids ” and “Hair ” are true tributes to her fan base. “Bad Kids ” starts out with Gaga ’s powerful vocals demanding justice for all the “freaks ”, and then transitions into an ‘80s pop ballad with a chorus that
speaks to the youth. “Don ’t be insecure if your heart is pure. You ’re still good to me if you ’re a bad kid baby. ” Although some have tried to compare Gaga ’s work to artists like Madonna and Prince, there is something about Lady Gaga that is unique. Whether it is her unusual and eclectic style, her inspiring lyrics, or her unwavering love and dedication to her fans, Born This Way is nothing short of a cultural and musical triumph.
Courtesy of Interscope Records
The Hangover Part 2 has impressive sales at box ofce By Kevin Duncan Staff Writer The rst Hangover lm was such a big sensation worldwide that a second one was destined to happen. No one guessed that it would be almost alike, just with a change of scenery, and instead of a baby, a monkey. The Hangover 2 lived up to its hype and delivered wild yet ill-mannered humor just like the original. Zach Galianakis, Bradley Cooper, Ed Helms, Ken Jeong, and Justin Bartha all returned for the sequel and did not disappoint. With big expectations to top the rst one, or at least make it as funny, it was already a difcult task, but the actors were up for it. Galianakis was at his usual best, without even having to say a word; he captivated the audience and spurred
them into a laughing tirade. Helms played the ever-monotonous dentist, Stu, who is about to get married in Thailand. While Phil and Doug are invited to the wedding, Alan at rst is not because Stu despises him. After a discussion at brunch, Doug and Phil convince Stu to invite Alan, reluctantly. Like the original, they have a bachelor party that turns out to be much more the next morning. With Stu´s soon-to-be wife´s 16 year-old little brother Teddy joining in the action, they are responsible for his well-being and of course lose him in the process. This is all to Alan´s dismay as he is not part of the “Wolf Pack ”, Alan´s made up name for their group. While Teddy has a major role because of the consequences of losing him, he does not appear much in the lm. Bartha yet
again stars in the lm at the beginning but rarely sees camera time as he fades into the background like the original. The plot and jokes, are very similar, but the movie and actors still manage to set the tone for many laughs and gazes of bewilderment. It really is the same movie, yet it is successfully able to draw an audience to its feet. The lm was produced by Legendary Pictures. Production began in October 2010 and was released in the United States on May 26. Early scenes were set in Los Angeles, but lming took place primarily in Bangkok. The Hangover 2 raked in $30 million on Friday night, showing almost no drop from its $31 million on opening day Thursday. The movie is rated R due to its sheer amount of nudity, obscene language,
THE WEEK AT SMC June 2
June 3
and drug use. Some parts were clearly unnecessary and disgusting, but those scenes were part of the movie and provided for humor and detail later on. And while there were numerous insolent scenes that some audiences might not enjoy, those vile scenes were somehow overshadowed by the pure humor and wit delivered mainly by Galianakis, Helms, and Jeong. Former boxing champion Mike Tyson returns for a small cameo at the end. The Hangover 2 is Rated R, so it is not a movie a person would take their young children to watch, leave that for Kung Fu Panda 2. If one so happens to enjoy wild humor, drug dealing monkeys, and a former heavyweight champion singing and dancing, then The Hangover 2 is the movie to watch. For ticketing information on events at the Broad Stage, visit
June 5
June 4
“SMC Percussion Ensemble Recital ”
“SMC Chamber Choir: ‘In the Spirit ’ ”
“Summer Star Party Planner ”
“SMC Musical Theatre Workshop ”
Edye Second Space
Edye Second Space
Drescher Planetarium
Main Stage Theatre Arts Complex
Broad Stage
Broad Stage
First united Methodist Church
11:15 a.m.
7 p.m.
8 p.m.
8 p.m.
7 p.m.
4 p.m.
7:30 p.m.
“National Children ’s Chorus: “SMC Wind Ensemble ” “SMC Concert Chorale: All That Jazz ” A Festival of Music ’ ”
SANTA MONICA COLLEGE
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June 1, 2011
SPORTS
theCorsaironline.com
SMC ’s volleyball ambassador By Miles Arnold Sports Editor This May, Michael O ’Hara, a former Santa Monica College volleyball coach and current assistant coach for the women ’s tennis team, was invited to speak at the 11th annual “Enriching the Middle East ’s Economic Future ” seminar in Doha, Qatar to discuss the importance of volleyball as one of world ’s fastest growing sports and the meaningful role it could play in the lives of middle eastern citizen ’s. While in Qatar, O ’Hara addressed a ballroom of 1000 people that included the leadership of the 10 Middle Eastern countries as well as representatives from 30 Western and Eastern European countries and 11 Asian countries. O ’Hara, a former collegiate, professional and Olympic volleyball player, hopes that his book, “Volleyball: The Fastest Growing Sport in the World, ” will help introduce the sport to the Middle East. The book is currently being sold in the three best bookstores in Qatar. One of his main goals is to get children, boys and girls alike, involved in not only volleyball, but sports in general. “More kids are growing up overweight and unhealthy all over the world, ” said O ’Hara. “Too many kids are captivated by toys, games and cell phones. ” He emphasized that if the money isn ’t spent now on the health and future of citizens by building proper facilities, that twice that amount would be spent in the future on hospitals and doctors. O ’Hara proposed that each of the ten
Middle-Eastern countries work with their local school systems to add air -conditioned gymnasiums that can not only be used for volleyball, but soccer and basketball as well. If schools should not support the idea, O ’Hara suggests that the local hotels could build the proper facilities. However, in the event that those ideas are not set into motion he thinks it would be tting to start an independent youth sports department to build and administrate a program that he feels is vital. “I think it ’s important to have these resources, ” said O ’Hara, “The sport is growing, and I ’d like to see it growing faster. I think it ’s the best answer, because it ’s so safe and injury free and it helps both women and men. ” O ’Hara is no stranger to starting successful sports programs. In 1967 he helped form the American Basketball Association (ABA) which later merged with the National Basketball Association to form the NBA we know today. He was also instrumental in making volleyball an Olympic sport in 1964 and competed in the rst Olympic volleyball matches at the Tokyo games as a member of the U.S. Men ’s Volleyball team. “That was me, ” said O ’Hara in regards to getting volleyball in the Olympics, “I plugged hard for that one. ” Overall, his plan is to get his book into the hands of as many people as he can. “Volleyball was very good to me, ” said O ’Hara. “Anything that helps the sport of volleyball around the world is home cooking. “
Photo courtesy of Michael O’Hara Michael O’Hara Speaking at the “Enriching the Middle East Economic Future” seminar in Doha, Qatar. O’Hara has been championing volleyball for years.
Football gears up for 2011 By Wayne Neal Staff Writer Time to button up those chinstraps and lace up those cleats. It ’s football time. Spring practice is well underway at Santa Monica College as the Corsair football team prepares for another season looking to improve from the previous year. The Corsairs nished the season 4-6 with an incumbent coaching staff but despite their record still managed to produce several players who managed to make the All-Conference team as well as send three players to four-year universities on scholarships. “Even though we were 4-6, it was a good building block for next season, ” said Head Coach Gifford Lindheim of his team ’s overall performance last
year. Coach Lindheim, who is going into his second year as head coach at SMC, mentioned that last year only 16 players returned from the previous season, which hindered the team ’s development; but the Coach doesn ’t blame that for the lack of production on the eld. “We have to do better than 4-6, it ’s a building block but it ’s not where we want to be, ” said Lindheim. Lindheim compared his young squad to the 1989 Dallas Cowboys when they rst acquired Troy Aikman, Jimmy Johnson, and Michael Irving and only won one game that season. “You knew there were good pieces, but sometimes it takes time to develop and grow, ” said Lindheim. Returning are two defensive players Carl Buchanan and Brian Hawthorne, both sophomores, who will be looked
upon to lead not only the defense, but also the team. “I ’m bringing a lot more intensity to my game this year, ” said Buchanan, who plays defensive tackle Hawthorne on the other hand plays cornerback and led the team with eight interceptions. Hawthorne will be looked upon to carry that young secondary that they have, as he is the only returning player from that squad. “We are kind of building around him at corner, ” said Assistant Coach and Defensive Coordinator, Steven Garcia. Garcia explained the importance of the team being on the same page if they want to compete for a state championship. As a result, Coach Lindheim and his staff are currently only teaching the fundamentals to entering recruits. Incoming freshman, Kevin Wallace,
who was a walk-on at Arizona State University ’s football team, is now eager to help out the Corsairs. “I can bring my experience from my division I play, ” said Wallace. “The coaches have really been working with us trying to teach us the fundamentals ”. Wallace not only came to SMC for football but also because of the schools great success in transferring students. “The word is spreading that we are building a solid program, ” said Coach Lindheim. The Corsairs will start there two-aday practices soon, but in the meantime practice for players meet in classroom format Monday through Thursday 12:45 p.m. to 2:05 p.m. The rst game of next season will see SMC play host to Compton College on September 3.
Jovan Johnson runs through some drills during spring practice.
Paul Alvarez Corsair